RUSD book challenge policy passed, here’s what happens next

REDLANDS, Calif. — Redlands Unified School District (RUSD) is searching for community members to serve on a new book review committee following the approval of a stricter library material review policy.

Why it matters: Complaints Concerning Library or Media Center Materials (Administrative Regulation 1312.2 ) was approved on Aug. 19 after months of heated debate. The new rules replaced a prior policy that allowed parents, guardians, students, district residents and staff to formally challenge books and other library materials.

Under the revisions, books alleged to contain sexual content must be removed by the principal within three business days. Removal is then followed by a district-level review and, if appealed, a public hearing before the board.

Details: In an email sent to RUSD staff and families on Aug. 25, the district outlined the responsibilities of a book review committee member. 

Members will be expected to:

• Read and review the material in question
• Use a district-approved rubric and scorecard to evaluate the content. 
• Participate in discussions and provide recommendations to help inform the district's decisions.

As for the time commitment, reviews are expected to be completed within approximately three months of a complaint being filed. Volunteers may also be asked to attend one or more meetings and submit written feedback.

How book review committees will be formed: For general complaints, a committee may consist of at least five members including the principal of the school where the complaint was lodged, one librarian from a different school site, one classroom teacher from the same grade level of the material but from a different school site and two non-employee community members. 

For complaints that include “perceived pornography, erotica, graphic descriptions or depictions of sexual acts, and/or sexual violence, or sexually explicit materials,” the book will be removed and brought before a district review committee. This review committee will include the superintendent, the assistant superintendent of educational services and the director of elementary or secondary education. 

The committee that will create the review rubric, scorecard and definitions will include at least one school board member, one librarian, one cabinet member, one principal and one parent.

The committee applications will be reviewed and picked by Patti Buchmiller, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, district spokesperson Christine Stephens confirmed in an email.

What they’re saying: “RUSD is committed to providing students with access to diverse, age-appropriate library and media center materials, while respecting the rights of parents and guardians to raise concerns about educational resources,” the district said in an email sent to school district staff and families. 

Moving forward: If interested in serving as a volunteer, click the button below to complete the Interest Survey Form. The deadline to submit is Friday, Aug. 29 at midnight.

“This is a meaningful way to contribute to the education and well-being of Redlands students and to ensure our process reflects the voices of our community,” the district said.